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IMF proposes to open labor market for Syrian refugees!

20-4-2017

The European Department director of the International Monetary Fund IMF, Jeffrey Franks, advised Lebanon to facilitate the access of displaced Syrians to its labor market, which, he claimed, stimulates the growth of the local economy. Franks was speaking to the Lebanese delegation to the conference of Parliamentarians organized jointly by the IMF and the World Bank. On the other hand, Franks while acknowledging the fiscal burdens caused by the refugee crisis, disclosed that the IMF does not have solutions at hand to resolve the impasse. Earlier, yesterday, WB head, Jim Yong Kim, indirectly interfered in the country’s internal affairs when he made clear that the international community cannot help Lebanon unless it takes the initiative, insinuating in this respect to the lingering political vacuum in the country. (news: : http://lkdg.org/ar/node/16291). For his part, the minister for the displaced, Mouin Mer’abi rejected the IMP proposal warning, that Lebanon “will not accept anything imposed on it, and that the decision is exclusively with the hands of the Lebanese government.” During the Brussels negotiations, Mer’abi maintained, Lebanon’s demands were clear enough in this regard, particularly in terms of effective laws which restrict the work of Syrians to the construction, agriculture and small industries, noting that the local government is committed to comply with said regulations. But, while reiterating Lebanon’s inability to secure local labor for above sectors, Mer’abi acclaimed the crucial role of the Syrian workforce in the country’s post-war reconstruction. And in a strong indication of Lebanon’s popular and official rejection to IMF plans, a number of mayors and ”makhateer” in different Lebanese regions, have since the start of this year complained of fierce competition to Lebanese stores by Syrian-run shops. In this respect, the governor of the North, Ramsey Nahra, issued a directive last month ordering five shops in Tripoli and Baddawi be closed and sealed for being illegally run by Syrians. Similar decisions were taken by the municipalities of Naameh, Zgharta, Zahleh and Batrun.(Al Diyar, An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, L’Orient Le Jour, April 4 and 20, 2017)

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Blurred economic vision and wishful promises

19-4-2017

Despite the presidential promises to focus on reforms and on the development of a comprehensive economic strategy, we have yet to apprehend a clear and concrete vision to this effect. In this respect, President Michel Aoun reiterated yesterday the obligation of the government to create appropriate jobs for students graduating from the country’s universities. Aoun was speaking to a group of children from different humanitarian and social institutions who were invited to the Presidential Palace on the occasion of Easter. Aoun made special emphasis on the development of remote rural areas in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the chair of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Tripoli, former minister Raya Hassan, voiced her optimism on the progress of the first phase of landfills works which are expected to be completed by the month of May. Hassan revealed that contacts are being made with Lebanese, Arab, Syrian and foreign investors to partake in the infrastructure and investment parts, with regard to the projected role of the northern capital in the reconstruction of neighboring Syria. Hassan pointed out to feasibility studies being prepared in cooperation with the World Bank and which noted potential sectors that can be involved in the plan, namely contracting, construction or gas and oil extraction companies, hoping that SEZ will be launched by the year 2020. (Al-Diyar 13-19 April 2017)

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Lebanese call from Cairo for import-substitution

18-4-2017

The president of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) Fadi Gemayel called for increased productivity in all promising economic sectors and the reduction of import rate to the benefit of local production. Gemayel was speaking during the 44th Arab Labor Organization Conference held in Cairo between April 14 and 16. He emphasized the need to create jobs for Arab youth, noting that administrative reform policies and good governance tend to limit opportunities of employment in the public sector. This, Gemayel added, prompts the private sector to take the lead in bridging the gap and curbing unemployment. Gemayel pressed the need for boosting investments, especially those that facilitate the recruitment of young people and strengthen integration rather than rivalry in a bid to attract a diverse pool of investments in various countries which in turn eases the flow of products in a pan-Arab market of more than 350 million consumers. Gemayel urged businesspeople to activate the role of so-called Specialized Business Association in consolidating cooperation between members as well as intensifying meetings that establish joint investments in new markets, notably African markets. For his part, the chair of the Association of Arab Economic and Social Council, Roger Nasnas, said that the issues related to the role of entrepreneurship, vocational training and women's work all necessitate in-depth research into the notion of productivity. The latter, Nasnas stressed, withdraws in the absence of security and stability as well as with reduced demand. He maintained that social policy is fundamental to support living standards of low-income groups through the provision of health coverage, public education and addressing unemployment, stressing that growth declines with shrinking incomes and greater income inequality. (Al Diyar, April 13 and 14, 2017)

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Closing of Mada livelihood project targeting Akkar small-scale farmers

18-4-2017

The minister of agriculture, Ghazi Z3ayter, represented by the head of the Harar Agricultural Center, Taha Mustafa, sponsored last Thursday a closing ceremony for the project known as “Improved Livelihoods for Small-Scale Farmers in Akkar”. The initiative, funded by the EU and implemented by Mada Association, was closed with a round table on the challenges facing farmers in North Lebanon. On the occasion, Mustafa stressed that the agriculture sector which largely contributes to the living and economic cycle of the area shall be in the good hands of the ministry, but with collaborative efforts of parties concerned. It should be noted, that the above project has been completed in the Akkar towns of Mishmish, Fneidik and Akkar al Atika to improve the living standards of small farmers through capacity building and technical training on agricultural know-how and water management in irrigation, as well as, on the enhancement of the farmer- broker or buyer relationships in the framework of marketing of local production. To this end, the Mada association provided a number of extension lectures related to the following topics: proper agricultural practices, distribution of in-kind aid, machinery and tools, guidelines on land preparation, tilling and selection of appropriate types of agriculture, contribution to the purchase of new apple varieties, the basis of conservation agriculture and distribution of leftover or residual seeds, comprehensive pest control, principles of proper apple pruning, fertilization and soil testing. Mada has also successfully installed about 135 modern irrigation systems in various areas targeted by the project, in addition to organizing the “Akkar Day’ in the capital Beirut and in Halba to promote products of agricultural cooperatives. The Improved Livelihoods initiative included a workshop on available marketing prospects, besides an extensive course for some 17 farmers on proper pruning and grafting methods of fruit trees. (AL Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, April 14, 2017)

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Zahleh workshop on tracking of agricultural products

13-4-2017

In collaboration with TUV office, the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon IDAL organized yesterday an extension workshop in Zahleh on the ‘agricultural products’ tracking system and its role in facilitating access to international markets’. The event took place at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Zahleh and Bekaa with the participation of IDAL chair Nabil Itani, the Chamber’s vice president, Nounir Tineh, TUV office director, George Abu Haidar, as well as heads of industrial and agricultural syndicates and a number of Lebanese exporters. Tineh stressed the vitality of quality management systems in agriculture and their need to become part of the farmers’ culture. Similarly, Abu Haidar pressed for a continued development of this vibrant sector in general, with a special focus on agricultural packaging centers. Itani, in turn, maintained that the tracking system in packaging warehouses is highly useful, especially in controlling each phase of the handling and packing of the agricultural product so as to ensure a good management of food safety. IDAL president also drew attention to the maritime export program launched following the closure of borders with Syria and Jordan, lauding what he said the positive outcomes of the scheme in complementing land transport and curbing further decline of exports. Itani pointed out that the sea transport has accounted for nearly 86% of Lebanese exports compared to the land and air transport (11% and 3% respectively). He disclosed the amount of agricultural exports via said program as close to 73690 tons, that is equivalent to 22% of the size of agricultural exports, adding that some 759 truckloads, 92% of which are Lebanese owned, have been used to transport those exports. (Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, April 13, 2017)

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Apple growers to the streets again to claim their compensation entitlements

12-4-2017

The president of the Lebanese Farmers Association, Antoine Howayek, warned in a statement yesterday the end to the suspension of protests in wake of the Cabinet meeting on Monday which, he said, totally disregarded an early decision to compensate apple growers. To recall, the government has decided back  in October 2016 to support the marketing of apples through the compensation of LBP 5 thousand for each apple box. In the latest updates on the issue, apple farmers are reportedly preparing for a sit-in this Thursday to speed up the solution. Meanwhile, a broad meeting between the Farmers Association, the Higher Relief Committee (HRC) and Army officers has resulted in an arrangement which provides for a fair and proportionate distribution of the total amount of compensation. Accordingly, payment procedures are expected to begin after presentation of agreed mechanism by the Cabinet and the issuance of some 30,000 cheques to be distributed after the Easter holidays and before the end of this month. However, tension rose again with the call for demonstrations by the Farmers Association as mentioned above. To this effect, Howayek appealed to the government and the HRC to commit to the agreed mechanism, warning of any tampering with the settlement of payments that needs to be completed by the end of Easter holidays. (An Nahar, Al Diyar, April 12, 2017)

 

Previous related news: 
Local farmers still awaiting their entitlements
Reimbursement of apple growers and the plight of potato growers in Akkar
Back to square one concerning citrus and apple marketing
Agriculture of Lebanon further deteriorates in 2016
 

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Workshop on thyme growing in Labaya/Beqaa

12-4-2017

In cooperation with the Jihad al Binaa Development Association, the Agricultural Cooperative of the Beqaa town of Labaya and Labaya municipality organized yesterday an extension workshop on ‘thyme cultivation’. The course was presented by agriculture engineer Ahmad Issa with the participation of a number of local farmers who learned about the basics and proper care methods for the growing of thyme. During the workshop, the Cooperative president pressed the need for an increased government backing to the agriculture sector which constitutes an essential source of the livelihoods for a large number of Beqaa households. The Government, he said, should extend all forms of support to strengthen farmers’ steadfastness to their land. He also drew attention to the Cooperative’s active role in sustaining agriculture in the town, through spreading the culture of awareness or through provision of required machinery, seedlings or fertilizers for farmers. At the end of the course, thousands of thyme seedlings were distributed among beneficiaries. (Al Diyar, April 12, 2017)

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BIFEX 2017 to support entrepreneurship and SMEs

11-4-2017

The director general of the ministry of economy and trade, Alia Abbas, representing minister Raed Khoury, and the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA) President, Charles Arbeed, announced yesterday the launch of the 7th edition of the annual Beirut International Franchise Forum and Exhibition – BIFEX 2017. The event which will be held at Biel from April 26 – 27 is sponsored by Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and is held under the banner, ‘the Lebanon’s distinguished mark: a drive to prosperity’. On the occasion, Arbeed said that the present reconciliation in the country inspires a quantum leap that restores the dynamism of the national economy and livens up Lebanon’s reputation in the region and the world. This in fact, Arbeed added, “represents our main motive in the development of a national strategy that supports the motto ‘Lebanon’s distinguished mark’.” The forum this year will present a rich resource molded by renowned local and international expertise and will contribute to disseminating novel ideas on sectorial and economic trends, allowing participants access to in-depth and specialized know-how, Arbeed explained. For her part, Abbas identified the objectives the LFA is seeking to apply through the forum, namely: promote entrepreneurship and support the small and medium enterprises (SMEs); protect intellectual copyrights, particularly in the franchise sector in Lebanon, and finally, exchange expertise among the parties involved. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Hayat, April 11, 2017)

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President Aoun praises exhibitions that promote country’s tourism

10-4-2017

The HORECA Expo and Forum 2017 closed last Friday ending a four-day festival which saw the participation of over 350 local and international companies from Italy, France, the Netherlands, Emirates, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Korea and Turkey, in addition to some 500 professionals in food and hospitality services, more than 2500 renowned brands, and over 15 thousand guests from professionals and experts. On the occasion of preparation of the international event, President Michel Aoun received last Friday a joint delegation from the HORECA team and the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, where he underlined the significance of similar initiatives in promoting tourism in Lebanon. Aoun also paid a special tribute to the ‘Lebanese cuisine’ which he described as one of the main pillars of the tourism sector, pledging to continue to support it through the provision of the standards of excellence, hygiene and safety and to market it globally. In the same context, the general secretary of the Syndicate Wadii Kanaan, said in an interview with Al Balad newspaper on the sidelines of the HORECA expo,  that the Syndicate in coordination with the tourism industry has completed a special study on the conditions of tourism in the country. The purpose, he said, is to focus on the sector’s present status in order to reach the anticipated proper solutions, some of which have been completed. Kanaan disclosed that the first 3-year phase of the tourism policy is linked to recovery, promising an eventful summer season ( AL Diyar, AL Balad, April 5 and 8, 2017)

 

Previous related news: 

HORECA 2017 honors 12 restaurants for their role in establishing the Lebanese cuisine
 

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Regional center for consumer protection in Beirut & new VTC in Al Fanar Agricultural School

7-4-2017

The UNCTAD MENA Program Consumer Protection Regional Training Center was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Grand Serail in Beirut by the UN Conference on Trade and Development and the Lebanese ministry of economy and trade (MoE&T). On the occasion, MoT general director disclosed the new center will provide services for beneficiary countries including Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Palestine and Yemen. It will host numerous workshops designed for training on consumer protection in collaboration with a large number of foreign experts working with UNCTAD MENA to the end of reaching an advanced framework that ensures the interests of consumers, a safe environment and fair and equitable trade for both consumers and traders, MoT director said. He pointed out that his directorate is working to set up a common database on various subjects related to consumer protection, and stressed the need to develop a warning system between Arab states that eventually can be linked with alarm systems around the world. On a different note, the ministry of agriculture and UNICEF opened yesterday a new training center at al Fanar School of Agriculture named ‘Beit Sitti W Jiddi’ (my grandpa and grandma’s house). The center comes within the framework of the Technical Agricultural Education and Training for Marginalized Youth in Lebanon AVOCADO and as part of the partnership program between the Ministry, UNICEF, and the government of the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, and is managed by EFSI Italian Association and implemented by Biladi Association. To recall, the Avocado program has benefited more than 1,200 Lebanese, Syrian and marginalized Palestinians and students through training and vocational courses in the agriculture sector as well as in life and employment skills. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, April 6 and 7, 2017)

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